Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: prh77 on September 09, 2014, 06:15:55 AM

Title: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: prh77 on September 09, 2014, 06:15:55 AM
I am looking to upgrade to a 3 bladed prop. Research on this site indicated a 9.5 or 10" by 15 is the way to go. I also understand I want a " sailor " prop. Are the props offered by Catalina Direct the proper types, or do I have to go through the Factory? !988 C34 M25XP engine. Thanks for all help and info on this site.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Ron Hill on September 09, 2014, 02:08:35 PM
Peyton : As far as I know the factory 3 bladed "Sailor" props will be 9" pitch x 15" diameter.  Most C34 people have repitched to 10"

Don't know if Catalina Direct has "Sailor" style props or not.  Be where of Michigan Wheel as they may not be a Sailor style prop.

Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: sailaway on September 09, 2014, 02:17:01 PM
I have an 9 x 15 x 1 on my 1986 m25 if you over prop you have a chance of not getting up to RPM and the engine  will smoke. I like the way the prop lets me back up. I get up to 6.7 knts with a clean bottom. Most of the time 6.5 in flat water Charlie
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Noah on September 09, 2014, 04:17:29 PM
This is a photo of my Michigan Wheel "Sailer" 15 x 9. BTW it does a poor job in reverse...or perhaps it's me ...LOL! I am considering a switch to a 3-blade folding prop someday, to see how they perform. It may be even worse in reverse but less drag sailing?
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: prh77 on September 09, 2014, 04:26:26 PM
Thanks Ron!
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Stu Jackson on September 09, 2014, 05:46:20 PM
15x10.  Been reported for years.  Fixed 3 blade.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Noah on September 09, 2014, 06:15:33 PM
Stu, Based on other posts, I believe there is a difference between a Campbell "Sailor" and a Michigan "Sailer" like I have. Would you recommend repitching mine from 9 to 10? Before trying a folding prop?
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Stu Jackson on September 09, 2014, 06:18:07 PM
Noah, I forget.  Try these:  

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4842.0.html  
(http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4842.0.html%20 )
and

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6907.0.html
(http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6907.0.html)

Maine Sail's usually "right on."
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Stu Jackson on September 09, 2014, 08:15:03 PM
Our prop:
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Noah on September 09, 2014, 08:38:32 PM
Not questioning the 10 pitch, just want to know if it applies to both Campbell "Sailor" and Michigan "Sailer". Is there a difference? i don't know.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Ken Juul on September 10, 2014, 02:40:15 AM
Yes, huge difference.  The Campbell is a unique design that really pushes water.  It was originally designed for tugboats I think.  I was overpitched with Campbell's recommendation.  IIRC it was 14x9, ditched the prop due to damage a few years ago.  There are some discussions here and at Catalina owners.com for more info.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Stu Jackson on September 10, 2014, 06:19:57 AM
Quote from: Noah on September 09, 2014, 08:38:32 PM
Not questioning the 10 pitch, just want to know if it applies to both Campbell "Sailor" and Michigan "Sailer". Is there a difference? i don't know.

Noah, sorry, my links didn't answer your question.  I'll do some more research.

Quote from: Ken Juul on September 10, 2014, 02:40:15 AM
There are some discussions here and at Catalina owners.com for more info.

Which is where I'd look.  And with "mainesail" (here) and "Maine Sail" (on co.com as the author.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Stu Jackson on September 10, 2014, 06:27:07 AM
Noah, I Googled "differences between Michigan and Campbell propellers" and got this:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=6617 (http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=6617)

There are a few hits on co.com under Maine Sail if you do a search on "Campbell Michigan," but mostly about the advantages of a 3 blade vs 2 or folding in heavily tidal and strong current waters - not what you need.

Try here as Ken suggests, too.

Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Noah on September 10, 2014, 07:06:09 AM
Thx guys. I will read up further. It's going to be a ways off. Need to replenish my bank roll and do some more sailing first.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Clay Greene on September 10, 2014, 10:20:02 AM
Noah, I noted your comment above about folding props being worse in reverse.  I think that is a misconception, as least as far as it relates to the two Flexofold props I have owned.  The prop walk with a fixed prop is a real issue - both boats I have owned have really gone sideways until you get some speed on.  Much less prop walk and therefore more control with my three-blade Flexofold prop on both my C34 and my C387.  The only negative about the Flexofold compared to a fixed prop (other than the price) is that it takes a lot more throttle to stop the boat but that is something you can adjust to.  I bought the Flexofold for the sailing improvement (and it delivered) but was even more impressed by its performance under power. 
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Noah on September 10, 2014, 10:51:35 AM
That's good news. I read your earlier post about your decision to get the 10 pitch on the three-blade Flex-O-Fold. Would you still stick by that decision today, despite Flex-O-Fold's recommendation to go with 9 in. pitch?
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: sail4dale on September 10, 2014, 01:05:30 PM
I too agree re the Flexifold prop.  The three blade 10 x 15 gives me over seven knots if i want it. 
reverse is great.   Love it and the folding prop from a fixed gave me another knot of cruising speed.
Title: Re: 3 Blade Prop Question
Post by: Clay Greene on September 10, 2014, 02:04:09 PM
We were very happy with the Flexofold on our C34 (and are very happy with a Flexofold on our C387).  I never thought it was over-propped on the C34 - we could reach maximum RPM without noticeable smoke.  The sailing improvement was more noticeable in light air than heavy air but obviously a benefit.  It was the improvement under power that was the big positive surprise.   

If you are considering buying one, my suggestion is to buy it from a dealer here in the U.S. rather than from Flexofold directly.  I bought our prop for our C387 from them directly (Flexofold no longer has a U.S. sales representative other than through dealers) and then was surprised by a $125 customs bill I received several weeks later.  The Flexofold sales manager's response was to offer to refund my purchase if I was unhappy.  That was not very feasible given that their prop was three feet under 38 degree Lake Michigan water.